The Neckar River - Germany's Wet, Wonderful, And Wild Fellow The Neckar River — Germany’s Wet, Wonderful, Wild Fellow Before the 367km or 228 mile length of the Neckar River becomes lost in the Rhine at Mannheim , it more than does justice to its name. Neckar, in Germany, translates roughly as “a wild fellow.” The Neckar River plunges from its source 706m or 2100 feet above sea level near the Black Forest town of Villingen-Schwenningen , through the Odenwald hills . Beginning at the town of Heilbronn , the Neckar carves a valley (the Neckartal) through the Odenwald. Here, in the Middle Ages, something very much like a protection racket went on. Royalty would build their castles on crags above the valley floor, for the alleged purpose of protecting the merchants who shipped their goods on the river from pirates. The merchants were required to pay tolls for the use of the river, with the assurance that they would indeed be protected. Whether or not pirates actually existed is a question left to history!

Today, you can explore the Neckar Valley by train, bus, bicycle (the Castle Road a.k.a Burgenstraße passes through it) or ferry. Just to the south of Heilbronn, on a land once cultivated by both the Celts and Romans, is the town of Bad Wimpfen . Nearly wiped out in the Thirty Years’ War , Bad Wimpfen today has saltwater springs flowing as freely as they ever did, making it a great spa weekend getaway. Take in the pair of Luther Bibles at the Kirchenhistorisches Museum and the world’s only Pig Museum (in Germany, pigs bring good luck! ;-). If you won’t turn blue from the effort, climb the Blauer Turm’s (Blue Tower) 167 steps for a dizzying view of the Neckertal! Entering the town of Tübingen , you may encounter sculls powered by enthusiastic students, as they have been for five centuries. The “wild fellows” of the university, however, faced imprisonment in Universitätskarzer (University Prison) until it was closed in 1845! A touch of the wild returns to Tübingen on the weekends during dance parties at the local clubs.

Just 5 miles/14km upstream from Heidelberg , the Neckar runs through Neckarsteinach, a small village made important by its four castles! Two of them are only ruins, but two, on the western side of the town, have been restored to their royal glory. Tip: A footpath, the Burgenweg, leads up to all four. Unfortunately the interiors of both restored castles are closed to the public, but at the third, the Hinterburg, you’ll get a spectacular look at the valley below. The most famous of all the Neckar River’s castles, of course, is the Schloss at Heidelberg. Plenty of wild fellows, including Goethe, Friedrich Hölderlin, Victor Hugo, and even Mark Twain were suitably impressed by the crumbling edifice. The perfect symbol for Heidelburg, though, may be the Schloss’ Großes Fass. The world’s largest wine barrel (big enough to have a dance floor on its top), it holds almost 220,000 liters (58000 gallons) of wine. That’s more than enough to supply the biggest party Heidelberg’s Marktplatz has ever seen!

;-) Again, the Neckar surrenders its wildness at Mannheim , a planned community, the streets of which are named only with letters and numbers for the sake of efficiency. The port at Mannheim is one of Europe’s busiest, and the town is the Neckar Valley’s commercial center. Witness a bit of that commerce at one of the thrice-weekly markets in the Marktplatz, or head for the wonderful Art Nouveau Friedrichsplatz and the 200-foot (60m) Wasserturm. Crowned by a figure of Poseidon’s (the god of the sea) wife Amphitrite, it’s the most over-the-top water tower in a land famous for its over-the-top water towers. Could there be any better way to bid farewell to the wild and wonderful Neckar? I sure do enjoy my time whenever I’m here. :-) Heidelberg, Germany @HARSHA - YouTube Heidelberg, Germany @HARSHA Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later.

Published on Jul 31, 2016 Heidelberg, Germany Heidelberg is a town on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, known for its distinguished 14th-century university. Built, destroyed and partially restored over several centuries, red-sandstone Heidelberg Castle stands beside the river on Königstuhl hill. Visitors can ride the Bergbahn funicular to reach the castle and its gardens, which have sweeping views over the river and the baroque Altstadt (Old Town). The 5 Best Heidelberg Tours, Trips & Tickets - Frankfurt | Viator Frankfurt ATTRACTIONS See all Heidelberg Stand on the northern shore of the River Neckar and you can see why Heidelberg is such a popular spot for overseas visitors to Germany. This classic view of the city encompasses the old stone bridge with its salt-and-pepper shaker towers guarding the way to the old town crammed with narrow lanes and romantic old townhouses, as well as the castle looming on the hills behind. Take Heidelberg’s hillside castle as your starting point: hop on the funicular from the Kornmarkt and save your energy for a descent on foot.

Actually, the “castle” is a rambling complex of buildings from various centuries; that most of them are in ruins only adds to the charm. The site is open for guided tours of the stucco-covered rooms that are still standing and the terraced gardens. The Apothekenmuseum, with its vials and phials and potions, is an entertaining overview of remedies through the ages. Back down in the old town, the winding streets encourage exploration, from the heights of the Heiliggeitskirche to the pleasing expanse of the Rathausplatz. A large student population prevents the ancient city streets from becoming a museum and keeps the taverns busy. Practical Info Heidelberg is 50 miles (80 km) south of Frankfurt, approximately one hour away by road or rail. The town can be seen on a day trip (perhaps combined with a visit to medieval Rothenburg), but with plenty to see and overnight accommodations ranging from hostels to five-star hotels, you should consider a longer stay. Tours & Tickets Heidelberg, Germany Travel Guide Frankfurt, Germany Nov 23, 2012 Heidelberg has always been the place I wanted to visit because I heard so much about it even before being in Germany.

I took the tram to the Heidelberg Castle. From the castle, one is able to have a good view of beautiful Heidelberg. There is a German Pharmacy Museum within the compound of the castle and there is no entrance fee! It is really difficult to capture the whole beauty of Heidelberg to show it to you on my blog. Thus, I captured my impressions in a video documentary here: Mesa, Arizona Oct 08, 2011 What do you do to bring visitors to your castle? You light it up... or set it on fire. However, if a real fire seems too cumbersome, but you still want something nevertheless spectacular, use Bengal lights and fireworks. The technique was developed and proved successful in the picturesque German town of Heidelberg to commemorate the Heidelberg Castle's very eventful history. The fascinating spectacle of flames and light is called Schlossbeleuchtung - castle illumination - and is done in memory of the three times in history when the castle went up in flames. The first two times were due to wars with the French in 1689 and 1693, and the last time when the castle was hit by lightning in 1764.

In case you've missed the original three events of Castle Illumination, don't worry: they are recreated with fireworks every Summer - the first Saturdays in June and September, and the second Saturday in July. The magnificent ruins of Heidelberg Castle are no less impressive during the day. Built as a fortress with towers and moats in around 1300, this castle is perched high above the town as a symbol of the feudal power. To get them through the turbulent times, it's likely that the lords of the castle made regular use of the royal wine cellar, which is home to the biggest wine barrel in the world. Made from 130 oak trees, it is seven meters wide and over eight meters in length. The Elector Karl Theodor once employed a dwarf to guard the barrel - as if something that big really needs to be guarded. As breathtaking as the castle is from the city, so is the view of the city from the castle. While I was standing on the top of the hill admiring an amazing view of Heidelberg, the Neckar River, and the Neckar Valley far into the Rhine plain, I knew it would be hard for me to describe it.

But when it comes to Heidelberg, I have the professional support of a famous writer. As Mark Twain put it, "I have never enjoyed a view which had such a serene and satisfying charm about it as this one gives." It looks like the celebrated author shared my fascination with this charming town: it must have been the reason why, after having come to Heidelberg to spend a day, he instead stayed for three months. Out of the many things Mark Twain loved about Heidelberg and found worthy to write about, one is still relevant today: it's a university town atmosphere. Not just any university, but the oldest in Germany established in 1386. Contrary to popular belief, not everybody enrolled in university exclusively for the dueling, drinking, playing jokes on authorities and freeing local pigs. However, for those who did actually prefer the aforementioned scientific activities, there was the Student Prison. Imprisonment would last from three days to four weeks. Students were allowed to attend lectures, but were required to return to jail at the end of the day. In absence of TV and Internet, they spent time decorating the walls with drawings.

Those art works were preserved for future generations, and judging by some wall inscriptions many prisoners found their stay in Studentkarzer very entertaining. One thing you will not miss in Heidelberg is the Old Bridge. Though not particularly old - built in the 18th century - it has inspired numerous poets and artists. And what you'll not miss on the bridge is the bronze sculpture of the Bridge Monkey holding a mirror. Legend says that if you touch the mirror you'll be provided with a good fortune, and, if you'll touch the fingers of the Bridge Monkey it would ensure your return to Heidelberg. Well, the mirror looked pretty polished, so it must be working. I've gently tapped the bronze creature's hand in hope of returning: one day in this lovely place was not merely enough. Comment. Art & Design Lovers May 08, 2011 It's pretty, it's small, there's a ruined castle on the hill, there's a river and cute bridges and yummy food...definitely a great place in and of itself. The Christmas market season is wonderful with several different markets around town. If you're lucky you'll be there the weekend of the castle market which has a medieval feel to it. Really beautiful.

Comment. Neckar River Neckar River Home Page > Travelogues > Germany > Baden-Wï¿½rttemberg > Heidelberg Area > Neckar River Valley (Hirschhorn, Eberbach, Neckarzimmern, and Gundelsheim) The Neckartal -- A Pleasant Sunday Drive Along the Burgenstrasse Germany's long and storied history is tightly linked to its many waterways... most travelogues from Germany in this website are from riverside towns and cities. The larger rivers, like the Rhein and Danube, are loaded with big cities. But its the smaller rivers that one should seek out, as they tend to host a dozen to a hundred charming little hamlets with all the small town cheer and friendliness that makes them memorable. Plus, at each bend, there are often castles or castle ruins to complete the scenery. Following a stretch of river road, jumping from town to town and castle to castle, is a great way to spend a Sunday in Germany. The Burgenstrasse, or Castle Street, is one such route you must take if you have the chance.

It is a series of roads stretching from Mannheim to Prague , following the Neckar, Main, and Vltava Rivers plus various canals in between. But the best stretch is the Neckartal (Neckar Valley) between Heidelberg and Heilbronn, where the valley is steep and windy, the castles are many, and the towns are beautiful and spaced out every few kilometers. It is also part of Germany's wine country, and vineyards are plentiful. This travelogue introduces four towns and their castles in the Neckartal -- Hirschhorn, Eberbach, Neckarzimmern, and Gundelsheim. Other towns on the Neckartal that have been given their own page are Neckargemuend and Bad Wimpfen . Hirschhorn -- The second photo shows the town of Hirschhorn and its Castle above (both of which are actually just across the border in Hessen, not Baden-Wuerttemburg, but that's just a minor detail ;-D ). Of the four towns here, this is the one that catches your eye the most as the precariously-positioned Castle directly faces you as you drive south. The Neckar River is just off the photo to the right.

Clearly visible in the photo is the city wall, much of which is still intact and protects the colorful inner city. Given the Neckar's pension for flooding despite the many well-positioned locks, the wall has had its share of use. There is one main street that bisects the downtown, leading to the beautiful Protestant Church and town hall in the market square. This square lies at the base of the climb to a Catholic church and convent before reaching the castle. The castle is now a famous four-star restaurant and hotel. Several of my compatriots have taken their wives or dates there for a wonderfully romantic evening! Eberbach -- I'm cheating a bit on this one because I've been there six times and amazingly enough I've never taken a photo of it. But, while on a winter train ride I did take the third photo where a bit of Eberbach can be seen in the background. It will have to do for now. Eberbach is another very pretty town located down B27 from Hirschhorn. It's most striking feature is its long wharf and riverfront, as it occupies a long southward bend.

The old city follows the outside of the bend, marked with several medieval towers at the ends of the city and a classic old marketsquare and beautiful church. The inside of the bend rises gradually and many newer houses and neighborhoods dot along the countryside. This town is very old fashioned, and when I take visitors on a drive along the Neckartal, I have often stopped in one of its friendly guesthouses for a huge schnitzel. Eberbach doesn't have its own castle, but there are several nearby, the biggest being in the adjacent town of Zwingenberg. Nope, don't have a photo of that one, either. Neckarzimmern -- You will definitely want to stop off at Neckarzimmern. The town is very pretty, nestled up against a ridgeline following a wide bend in the Neckar. It is also very tourist-oriented, with a lot of restaurants and shops. In fact, there are s everal major glass-blowing factories in the area, some of which have studios open on Sundays (unusual for Germany). But by far the major attraction in Neckarzimmern is the Burg Hornberg Castle (shown in the fourth photo). This old castle has several things going-on.

First, it is a prominent vineyard (the first photo shows the vineyard more directly) and weinstube. When you enter the gate, the weinstube entrance faces you. Inside is a combination wine store and museum as you get to see winemaking equipment and look over (and possible sample) a wide variety of regional wines. The weinstube doubles as a ticket office for tours inside the castle itself. For the most part, the interior is simple stone with little of its decor remaining, but the ability to climb to the tops of the various towers and vantage points is clearly worth it. Finally, the Burg has a wonderfully classy restaurant and observation deck. Twice I have visited the Burg and found the restaurant closed for a wedding reception -- which makes sense, what better place to celebrate romance than at a castle, eh? Gundelsheim -- This is next town south from Neckarzimmern, and just about the last before Bad Wimpfen. The fifth and final photo shows you some of its best sights. First is the rather huge 16th Century Schloss Horneck with its medieval towers. This palace has been completely restored now, and serves as a museum. Second is the unusual terraced vineyard.

Most of Germany's vineyards conformed to the natural landscape (like the one of Neckarzimmern in the first photo), but not this one. The Schloss Horneck is one of two palaces in the area -- the other is the Burg Guttenberg on an adjacent hilltop, barely visible from the road. That fortress is on an isolated hilltop, and like Hirschhorn now hosts a hotel and restaurant. The Neckartal is a great Sunday drive. The length of the drive from Heidelberg to Heilbronn is about fifty miles, and with regular breaks among the towns it can easily fill a day. You have to be careful, too, because the way that the Neckar River bends and twists, some of the best sights wind up appearing behind you! So, pull out the map, and go for a ride! You'll really appreciate it. Trips taken various times in 2001-2003 -- Page last updated 01 September 2006 -- (C) 2001 Tom Galvin Useful Links: Heidelberg travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] It is no secret that Heidelberg is a jewel among German travel destinations.

Heidelberg is in the Neckar river valley right where the legend-rich Odenwald (Forest of Odes or Odin) opens up towards the plains of the Rhine Valley. Heidelberg is home to the oldest university in Germany (est. 1386). With 28,000 students, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität (or Ruperto Carola, the Latin equivalent of its name) is one of Germany's larger academic institutions and boasts the full spectrum of an ancient academy, from Egyptian Studies to Computer Linguistics. The faculties for Medicine, Law and Natural Sciences are considered to be among the best in Germany. The university fostered the establishment of several other world class research institutions such as the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), the European Molecular Biological Laboratory (EMBL), Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Max Planck Institutes for Medicine, Astronomy, Nuclear Physics, among others. Generally speaking, Heidelberg is an academic city with a long and rich history and is similar in many ways to cities such as Cambridge or Oxford (Heidelberg and Cambridge, England are twinned).

View of the "old town" (Altstadt) with Heidelberg Castle During WWII, the city was almost completely spared allied bombings which destroyed many of Germany's larger inner cities. As a result, Heidelberg has retained its baroque charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses and of course the world-famous Schloss (castle ruins). After World War II, the US Army built large barracks at the southern end of the city. Heidelberg's 147,000 inhabitants thus include not only 28,000 students at the university but also nearly 30,000 US citizens, almost all of them soldiers and their families. With hundreds of thousands of tourists flocking to the city annually, Heidelberg is truly a culturally diverse and international destination, despite its small size. Over the years, Heidelberg has attracted numerous artists, intellectuals and academics from all over Europe and has sometimes been referred to as Germany's unofficial intellectual capital.

People who have lived and worked in the city include the poets Joseph von Eichendorff, Jean Paul, Goethe and Iqbal, scientists such as Bunsen and Kirchhoff, philosophers such as the founder of the "Illuminati" order von-Knigge, atheist Ludwig Feuerbach, existentialist Karl Jaspers, political theorist Hannah Arendt, architect Albert Speer, and many more. Mark Twain wrote in A Tramp Abroad: Karl-Theodore-Brücke and Schloss in the background ..."Out of a billowy upheaval of vivid green foliage ...rises the huge ruin of Heidelberg Castle, with empty window arches, ivy-mailed battlements, moldering towers—the Lear of inanimate nature—deserted, discrowned, beaten by the storms, but royal still, and beautiful." Frankfurt ( IATA : FRA) - The nearest intercontinental airport. Stuttgart ( IATA : STR) - nice for European 'EU-domestic' flights.

ICE Train from Frankfurt or Stuttgart Airport to Heidelberg[ edit ] You can travel to Heidelberg via ICE (Inter City Express), Germany's fastest train, running at 300km/h (180mph). Both Frankfurt and Stuttgart airports have train stations inside the terminal. Frankfurt Airport even is a major ICE-train stop. Reservations are not necessary; just buy your ticket at the counter or machine after you land. Credit cards are accepted; most staff speak English. It might be necessary to change trains (only once) at Mannheim, Stuttgart, or Frankfurt Central Station, but it is still likely to be faster than the bus. One way prices: Frankfurt €24.50 (ICE), Stuttgart €26 (IC) €38 (ICE). Lufthansa Shuttle Bus[ edit ] If you don't like trains, but prefer to see the German Autobahn, Lufthansa provides a shuttle bus from Frankfurt to Heidelberg for €23 one way and €42 round trip. If you have a Lufthansa Ticket, you get €2 discount.

Other Airports[ edit ] Frankfurt-Hahn ( IATA : HHN) - An airport in the middle of the beautiful green mountains of Hunsrück is a major hub for low-cost carrier Ryanair and also served by Wizzair. There are frequent bus connections from Heidelberg Hbf to Frankfurt-Hahn; the trip takes a little more than 2 hours, and ticket price starts from €5 if purchased in advance (as of 2016) [1] . Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden ( IATA : FKB) - an airport served by Ryanair and a number of other low-cost carriers and charter flights. There are bus connections between the airport and Heidelberg Hbf; the trip takes less than 2 hours and the ticket price starts from €5 if purchased in advance (as of 2016) [2] . By train[ edit ] Exiting the train station towards the city center The main train station Heidelberg Hbf is located in the western part of the city, from there you can take a tram to any place downtown e.g.

Bismarckplatz (taxis are not recommended as they are far more expensive than trams!) Check for connections to "Heidelberg Bismarckplatz" on German Railway Website [3] There are direct train lines from Heidelberg to Stuttgart , Karlsruhe , Mannheim and Frankfurt - and direct long distance trains to Munich , Vienna , Hamburg and Cologne usually running at least every 2 hours. For most long distance destinations it is useful to take the regional train to nearby Mannheim Hbf (S-Bahn, about 15 minutes), from where there are frequent direct high speed connections to all major cities in Germany and some places in the nearby countries (e.g. Paris , Zurich , Amsterdam ). Taking slow trains will be much cheaper on a Saturday or Sunday, especially if you have a five-person group ticket, "Schönes Wochenende" , for €42 total or every day "Länderticket Baden-Württemberg" for € 22 - 38 total. By bus[ edit ] DeinBus.de is offering a bus to heidelberg from Frankfurt , Stuttgart , Cologne and many other cities. Tickets start at €9 one way and can be purchased directly from the driver.

Get around[ edit ] The city runs a small rather effective system of trams and buses. The two most important nodal points are the main station and Bismarckplatz. Bus #32 and #33 connect the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) with the old city area; detailed maps, schedules and routes can be found online. A mountain railway runs between four stations (including the castle), linking the old city on the level of the river with the summit of the Königstuhl Mountain, about 400m (1312 feet) above the city. The "Heidelberg Card," a tourist pass that includes public transportation, many museums, and the lower section of the mountain railway (a separate fare is required for the upper section), can be bought at the tourist information centre located just outside the main station. While tours and tour guides are available in German and English, you should plan ahead if you are visiting on a Sunday. English language guides are very hard to find then. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Heilggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) The Altstadt (historical city centre) and Hauptstraße (main street).

The Hauptstrasse leads from Bismarckplatz across the old town. Approximately one mile in length, it is reputedly the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany. The Castle: an audio guide tour of the castle and its grounds is available for a fee near the entrance. It is available in several languages, including English. One can also take the guided tour that gives you access to the interiors of the castle not available otherwise. There is also a statue to the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the castle gardens. Currently covered with unsightly scaffolding [Sept 2012] but this is very normal. The Philosophenweg which can be found on the northern side of the city. It provides a wonderful view across the oldest part of the city. Here you can find the site of the famous Merian Stich (engraving) which is a popular illustration of Heidelberg. The Heiligenberg mountain which boasts a wonderful view over the old town.

The Thingstätte on top of Heiligenberg (an open-air theatre built by the Nazi regime in 1934 to host propaganda events) Also on the Heiligenberg the remnants of a wall ancient Celts built to keep Germanic tribes out, the Heidenloch, a deep well with unknown origins, and the ruins of a 10th century cloister. The Kurpfälzisches Museum on the Hauptstraße contains interesting exhibits of items from Heidelberg's pre-history to modern times. Cafeteria University The old university on Universitätsplatz in the old city and the adjacent old armory which is now a student cafeteria (but also open to the public). Jesuitenkirche has 1712 Baroque construction with modern touches inside. Jesuitenkirche Heidelberg The Heiliggeistkirche church is only one of many large and small churches, but definitely the one with the most interesting history. During the dark ages, it was the shelter of the Bibliotheka Palatina, Germany's oldest library. The Bibliotheka was stolen and brought to Rome but eventually returned in pieces.

Today, parts of it can be visited in the University Library (also the oldest and probably the most valuable of its kind in Germany), which is situated close to the old university. University Library View of cathedral from Heidelberg Castle You can get a great view of the Heiliggeistkirche, Old Town, and the Neckar river bridge from the castle (Schloss Heidelberg). The city boasts more than eight theaters, including Stadttheater the large state-run theater, and Zimmertheater on Hauptstrasse, Germany's oldest private theatre There are also many progressive culture hubs, including the famous Karlstorbahnhof in the east-end of the old city. Königstuhl-Mountain, 568m (1560 ft) high, 450m (1480 ft) above Heidelberg, is a nice option to escape the hustle and bustle of Heidelberg downtown. The mountain top of Königstuhl offers a nice view over Heidelberg and the Rhine Valley. In good weather conditions you can see the Northern Black Forest . The same funicular railway that carries visitors to the castle continues to the mountain top.

You will have to change trains once -- the final one to the top is a historical wooden funicular train. (A separate fare is required for the historical funicular.) On the top you can have a look at the more-than-100-year-old engine that just pulled you up. (No worries -- made in Germany!) If you feel more energetic, you can take the Himmelsleiter (Heaven's Ladder or Sky Ladder) -- a stairway of 1200 steps winding up 270m (890 ft) up to Königstuhl. It ends 10m east of the mountain top funicular station. The lower end of stairs is just above the castle, but a bit hidden - ask locals or look it up on this map . Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] BBQ & Beer - On sunny summer days the "Neckarwiese" ('Neckar meadow', northern bank of Neckar river, just west of Bismarckplatz) is full of people relaxing in the sun, having a Barbecue or a beer... This place also offers a nice view to the castle. You will have to bring your own grill, beer and steaks.

Cheap grills to use once are availible at the "Bauhaus" do-it-youself store at Kurfürsten-Anlage 11, just 200m south of Bismarckplatz. Nice way to mix with locals. Hauptstrasse (Main Street) Snacks: Along the Hauptstrasse, which runs through the centre of town, you will find several bakeries that serve local specialities including “Brezeln” (pretzels). Department stores have a nice selection of delicatessen stalls called “Markthallen” where you can eat everything on the spot. Many of the cafes in Heidelberg set up outside tables when the weather is fair, and these are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. A popular destination for summer cafe beer sipping and lounging is the Marktplatz , which is adjacent to the Heiliggeistkirche . Meals: The Haupstrasse is plentiful with an amazing variety of restaurants. Dishes tend to be served in large portions, relatively inexpensive and of good quality. You can find something for almost every taste including Japanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese, German and Bavarian.

American fast food and "Döner" restaurants cater to the budget conscious and late-night crowds. Mensa im Marstallhof Maybe the most beautiful University Canteen in Germany, offering food and beer at low prices in a historic buildling and a Beer Garden!. Everybody is welcome, Open till late... Sunisas Thai Imbiss , Speyerer Straße 1, 69115 Heidelberg, [0] 6221 / 6555533: if you want a change from German food: an authentic, tasty Thai diner and takeaway with reasonable prices. It also has terrace, pool tables and cocktails. Open at 11am till late at night. Korean/Sushi restaurant, Heiliggeiststraße 3, close to the Marktplatz, next to the Hotel zum Rathaus, a seemingly little-known, but great sushi place (also serves Korean food). Zum Goldenen Anker, Rungenweg, [0] 6221 / 4862 Elia, Promenadeplatz, [0] 6221 / 7820 Turmstube, Schützenstr.

, [0] 6221 / 20114 Kashmir, Strasse, [0] 6221 / 20719 Rizo, Lorchheimer-Str, [0] 6221 / 8801 Eatery, Breisacherstr. , [0] 6221 / 10079 Nabucco, Eichenweg, [0] 6221 / 18191 Perazza, Buschkoppel, [0] 6221 / 7234 Roter Ochs, Kumlbacher Str., [0] 6221 / 6528 Die Eselin, Aberlestraße , [0] 6221 / 13489 Bierhelder Hof, Schönfeldstrasse , [0] 6221 / 811 Kao Kao, Haupstr, [0] 6221 / 14012 Falafel, Heugasse . Serves lebanese cuisine with good vegetarian options.

La Locanda 26, Steubenstrasse 26, ☎ +49 (6221) 7268922, [4] . Opening Hours: 11.00 - 23.00 / Wednesday closed. middle. (49.423746,8.688297) edit BrunnenStube (Restaurant BrunnenStube), Kranichweg 15 (see website for directions), ☎ [0] 6221 734222, [5] . Mon.-Sat. from 17:00, closed Sundays and some public holidays;. Nice restaurant with modern German cuisine and moderate prices. Great fish, lamb and many seasonal specials. Located to the west of Heidelberg's centre in a living area. Patio dining in summer. Main course from 7.90 EUR to 18.90 EUR. edit Indian Palace (Indian Palace), Karlsruher Straße 74, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany.

edit Vetter, Steingasse 9 69117 Heidelberg (06221165850), [6] . edit Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] More than 300 bars, pubs, clubs, discotheques and the like, from Bavarian style tourist restaurants with deer antlers on the walls to extremely left-wing student bars which reserve the right to refuse police officers entry to the bar. You name it. Find your place and enjoy yourself. Heidelberg knows no curfew. Most bars close at 1am, but especially the students bars are often open until the early morning. Although the locals -- even the police officers -- are used to drunk tourists as well as to drunk students, please be calm on your way home and do not riot. As a remnant of the student revolts, Heidelberg has the largest ratio of policemen per capita and you may find yourself in the arms of an officer much faster than you think. If you are a young person and happen to discover one of the student parties (which are quite numerous but advertised mostly by word-of-mouth), you scored the jackpot. Get inside, get a (dirt cheap) beer and have fun.

But try and avoid being recognised as a tourist. No party ends before 3am and many run until 6 or 7am. Either Untere Straße or the Zieglers (Heidelbergs oldest students' bar) are frequently crowded with students. Old Bridge Wines are produced around Heidelberg (e.g. Schriesheim, Wiesloch), but it might be difficult to get hold of them - unless you simply go to a vineyard... When you buy wine, always a safe bet is a Riesling from Pfalz or some white wine from Baden instead, or try any of the numerous wines from other German wine regions. Vineyards Vineyards are usually located in the middle of small towns along Bergstraße (Highway B3). Fruit farmers sell wine right on their farm e.i. vineyard - make sure you also ask for Apple Wine (Hesse specialty) and New Wine (wine still in process of fermentation - sold from the barrel, bring a canister!) which you can sometimes drink in some 'wine-beergarden' right on site.

Take a tram (5/5R) northbound to any place between Schriesheim and Lützelsachsen or a local train (S3/S4) southbound to Wiesloch - or (even better, if you have the time) S1 or S2 to Neustadt, where you will find yourself in an endless landscape of vine stocks. Next to the Old Bridge, there are two small breweries: The Kulturbrauerei [7] in the Leyergasse and Vetter's Brauhaus in the Steingasse. Vetter's is famous for having one of the strongest beers in world (Vetter 33). Mensa im Marstallhof Maybe the most beautiful University Canteen in Germany and maybe also Heidelberg's cheapest Beer Garden. Serving Welde-Beer (the Beer with screwed bottle necks and answering on any question... ) Everybody is welcome, Open till late... If you want to mix with the locals, try the Untere Strasse, which runs between the Hauptstrasse and the river, parallel to both. It is packed with the student bars, including the crowded: Großer Mohr. Small but highly recommended.

Tuesday night the odds are high to find the Mohr besieged by medical students. Thursdays are also Ladies Night, where girls receive free Sekt, making it a popular destination leading up to the weekend. Sonderbar. The latter boasts a huge collection of absinthe, whiskeys and whiskys, as well as a very distinctive atmosphere. Destille [8] . There is a tree in in the center of the establishment. O'Reillys, [9] . An Irish pub north of the river, just over the bridge from Bisi (Bismarckplatz). Dubliner A good Irish pub at the center of Heidelberg Mainstreet (Downtown) Ham Ham's A great place to chill, drink, and smoke. Nektar A very relaxed and chill place to enjoy a drink and party B.J.Z. Bar Great place to party in Emmertsgrund, its a B.Y.O.A. (Bring your own alcohol) and you can crash anywhere in the house The Brass Monkey Friendly bar on Haspelgasse, just opposite the old bridge. Good crowd and all staff also speak fluent English.

Heidelberg Castle Cellar The cellar in the castle, where you get to see the Heidelberg Tun, also sells local Wines. Be sure to taste the Eiswein they have. If you are looking for coffee rather than alcohol, Star Coffee [10] has two branches, one off Bismarckplatz and the other on the Hauptstrasse, serving a variety of coffees and offering free WiFi access. Fewer computers but more style are found in the two Moro Cafes [11] , directly at the Alte Brücke and one on the Hauptstraße. Recently, most pubs close much earlier in the night, even on the weekends at around 2am. Just move to one of the numerous clubs, which usually have no entrance fee this late at night. Be Safe[ edit ] Heidelberg is an extremely safe city (even by German standards). However, women walking alone at night should take the usual precautions they would do anywhere else. Walking along the northern Neckar banks at night would not be advised, except in groups, particularly by the Studentenwohnheime (dorms). The shrubs are thick and it is very dark. Usually there won't be any problem.

If you are a bit 'paranoid' you can take a Taxi. If you are from New York, you might think they are cheap - if you are from East-Europe or Asia you will feel like they are ripping you off... use as needed. There are also "Frauentickets" available for women, you can buy these coupons for 8€ and they will cover the fare for anywhere in the city. Don't walk on bicycle lanes! - Really don't! (they are often painted in red, but always separated from the pedestrian lanes by a white line): Heidelberg has more cyclists than motorists, and many of them have a rather cavalier way of riding. The southern parallel street to Hauptstrasse (called Plöck) is the main traffic channel for student cyclists between Bismarkplatz and University Square. During the day it can be such a buzz, it's already a sight worth visiting. But watch out: Many cyclists feel safe from the tourists there and lose all their good manners.

Youth Hostel Heidelberg International Jugendherberge Heidelberg International, Tiergartenstrasse 5, 69120 Heidelberg, ☎ +49 (0)6221 65119-0 ( info@jugendherberge-heidelberg.de ). checkin: 13:00; checkout: 10:00. Large, well maintained hostel, located next to the zoo on the eastern bank of the Neckar River, 25min walk away from the central rail station. Public transportation: take bus 32 from central rail station towards north (Sportzentrum Nord), get off at Jugendherberge stop. Dorms from €24.00 including breakfast and linen, various concession apply. Pre booking recommended. Towels can be rented from the reception for additional €2.> edit Steffi's Hostel Heidelberg, Alte Eppelheimer Str. 50 (Just walk straight out of the station and cross the big street and the tram rails in front of you.

On the other side there's a modern building, where you enter a shopping arcade (Kurfürstenpassage – Jack Wolfskin / Backpacker Store). Again you walk straight ahead through the passage and leave it on the opposite side. From the exit you can already see a big brick stone building in front of you. Here on the third floor above the Lidl supermarket, Steffis Hostel Heidelberg is situated.), ☎ +49 (0)6221/7782772 ( info@hostelheidelberg.de ), [12] . checkin: 10am - 1pm and 5pm - 8pm; checkout: until 12. Dorms from €20, everything included. edit Hotel ISG, [13] . Hotel ISG is located in the suburb of Boxberg is about a 15 minute taxi ride from central Heidelberg. Fitted out in the Bauhaus style the rooms are comfortable enough (and the bathrooms are excellent) but there is nothing to do in Boxberg.If you are visiting the EMBL, however, it is very convenient, as a free shuttle runs from the hotel to the institute.

edit Hotel Restaurant Scheid. Hotel Restaurant Scheid is a nice, quiet, reasonably priced hotel in the suburb of Schriesheim, a short tram ride north of Heidelberg. Schriesheim is built on a hill so if you are hitting the clubs, don't forget about the late 30 min. night walk up the hill from the tram stop (Schriesheim Bahnhof) to Hotel Scheid. Phone +49 (0)6203 6050. edit Mid-range[ edit ] The Ritter, Hauptstraße 178, ( info@ritter-heidelberg.de ), [14] . The Ritter is the oldest building (1592) in Heidelberg that has outlasted all fires and wars that have haunted the city over the times. It can get a little noisy considering its location directly at the heart of the Altstadt. Also a picturesque photo opportunity. edit Hip Hotel, Hauptstrasse 115, [15] . This was revamped in 2005 as a boutique hotel. Each room is modeled after a famous city, the most interesting room being the Zermatt (for Heidi and skiing fans).

edit Hotel Neu Heidelberg, [16] . Hotel Neu Heidelberg is located in the west of Heidelberg's center. Recommendable 3 star hotel with lovely restaurant, nice breakfast buffet, terrace, garden, wlan, bicycles for guests, free parking, various int. tv channels, etc. Easily reachable by car and public transportation. edit NH Hotel Heidelberg, [17] . Located about 1km west of the edge of the Altstadt, situated in an old brewery. However its been totally renovated and fitted out in a modernist decor, all glass, wood floors and exposed metal. Some of the rooms are very pleasant, though the ones overlooking the main road can be noisy. Food in the bar is disappointing. edit Crowne Plaza, [18] . A fairly standard anonymous business hotel is located just off Bismarckplatz. Rooms near the lifts can be extremely noisy, so are best avoided. edit Holiday Inn Heidelberg, Pliekartsfoerster Strasse 101, (toll free: 0800 181 6068), [19] . checkin: 15:00; checkout: 11:00.

Standard hotel that's about 5km outside of the centre of Heidelberg. Amenities include a sauna and gym. Internet access comes at a hefty minimum price of €10 for 60 minutes or €17 for 24 hours if travellers are only looking to browse. For business users, it's even more expensive. €198 +. edit Hotel Holländer Hof Heidelberg [20] , Neckarstaden 66, Tel: +49 6221 60500. The hotel has a unique view of the Neckar River and the Philosopher´s Walk. It is located in the middle of the historical old city centre, just opposite the Old Bridge. The famous Heidelberg castle, as well as all sights of Heidelberg can be reached within a few walking minutes. The Restaurants and the pedestrian area are located around the corner. Splurge[ edit ] Der Europäischer Hof, [21] . Located just on the edge of the Altstadt Der Europäischer Hof a classic privately owned five star hotel. Pleasant atmosphere and attentive staff. Most of the rooms look out over the courtyard and are therefore admirably quiet.

Since 1865 der EUROPÄISCHE HOF has been a home from home for cultivated travelers in search of timeless traditional charm, atmosphere, and service. The name of the establishment stands for all that is best in European hotel culture and for exceptional standards of service. Official listings have rated the hotel as the finest hotel in Heidelberg and in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. The hotel is a Certified Business Hotel, Certified Conference Hotel, and certified as conforming to the pharma code. Accordingly, they have everything you expect of a professional business hotel. edit Hirschgasse Heidelberg, Hirschgasse 3 - 69120 Heidelberg, ☎ +49 6221 4540, [22] . checkin: 3 PM; checkout: 12 AM. The Hirschgasse is the oldest Hotel of Heidelberg and the oldest student dwelling house of Germany. It was first mentioned in a love story in 1472 and is nestled in a little side valley of a select residential area opposite the Heidelberg castle. An impressive walk along the River Neckar will take you to the Altstadt on the other side of the river.

Mark Twain wrote about this in his book "A Tramp Abroad." The rooms are all unique and will delight Laura Ashley fans and the ones seeking a good shot of authentic romantic ambiance. It comes along with two restaurants: the historic Mensurstube with regional dishes and over 250 year old tables, even Count Otto von Bismarck carved his name into. The elegant Le Gourmet is a classic French restaurant with attentive but yet uncomplicated service and will delight your credit cards with a good value for a swipe. A vineyard only a stone's throw away from the hotel "Sunnyside upon the Bridge" provides a good local Riesling or Late Burgundy. from 125 to 335. edit Get out[ edit ] Heidelberg is a charming and lively town by itself. If you have more time and feel like exploring, there are some nice small towns around Heidelberg which can make great day trips by the regional train which runs parallel to the Neckar river. Some of the towns like Neckargemund, Eberbach, Mosbach etc. are great locations to spend a day.

Bertha Benz Memorial Route - Follow the tracks of the world's first automobile journey (Mannheim - Pforzheim - Mannheim) back in 1888, leading right through Heidelberg

Question: On which river in Germany does Heidelberg stand?
Answer: NECKAR